The Quad grouping makes sense, but to make a difference it needs to speak in one voice. The alliance has informally existed for 13 long years but seems to have restricted itself to mere posturing. WION's Palki Sharma says it's time the Quad become proactive and not reactive.

Gravitas: Time to turn Quad into a formal alliance?

Vaccine rollout has begin for medical staff at a Tokyo Medical center in Japan. President of Tokyo medical center ,Kazuhiro took the first vaccine jab to encourage others to do the same. Health workers are the first ones to get vaccinated , there are around 100 centers administered by health ministry for vaccinating 40000 medical workers first.

Mass vaccination drive begins in Japan

The sentiment index for manufacturers rose to 3 from minus 1 in the previous month, led by chemicals and manufactured food.

Japan's factory mood turns positive for first time since 2019

Japan launched its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccination </a>programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world.

The same day, Australia and New Zealand ended snap lockdowns after they successfully brought small outbreaks under control in just days -- suggesting that despite their unpopularity, movement restrictions remain vital tools against the pandemic.&nbsp;

Japan kicked off its inoculation drive at a Tokyo hospital, with a plan to initially give Pfizer-BioNTech shots to 40,000 healthcare workers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-changes-syringe-emoji-in-support-of-coronavirus-vaccine-drive-364184" hreflang="en">Apple changes 'syringe' emoji in support of coronavirus vaccine drive</a>

"Hopefully vaccinations... can change the situation here," nurse Rino Yoshida told national broadcaster NHK after she got one of the first shots.

Japan is battling a much more limited outbreak compared with hard-hit countries such as the United States and Britain, but its response is being closely watched around the world as doubts swirl over the postponed Tokyo Olympics, due to start July 23.

Organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival.

But there are fears among the Japanese public and experts that the precautions may not be enough for a global event, even as the WHO on Tuesday reported a slowing of the pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tried-to-hack-pfizer-to-obtain-vaccine-technology-report-364009" hreflang="en">North Korea tried to hack Pfizer to obtain vaccine technology: Report</a>

New infections worldwide fell by 16 per cent last week, while the number of new deaths also dropped 10 per cent week-on-week, based on figures up to Sunday.

"The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday.

Lockdowns end in Australia, New Zealand

With infections topping 109 million and more than 2.4 million deaths, the pandemic has devastated the global economy, and populations are growing increasingly frustrated with financially painful restrictions that authorities and experts say are necessary to fight the virus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-formally-approves-its-first-covid-vaccine-363566" hreflang="en">Japan formally approves its first Covid vaccine</a>

Among the countries that have successfully deployed such measures is Australia, where stay-at-home measures for six million people in Victoria state were to be lifted late Wednesday after a snap five-day lockdown brought an outbreak under control.

"If we had been open throughout this outbreak... total case numbers would be much, much higher and it is a certainty that I would not be reporting zero cases today," said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews.

Neighbouring New Zealand, widely praised for its Covid-19 strategy, also ended a snap lockdown it had imposed from Monday in its largest city Auckland after three community cases emerged.&nbsp;

These measures sharply contrast with Europe, where restrictions have been less rigorous through the pandemic, and tightening them has often been politically difficult.

The Dutch government's nationwide curfew survived a bitter legal challenge on Tuesday, from an anti-restrictions group that promotes baseless conspiracy theories about the pandemic.

'Not safe until everyone is safe'

Frustration and rancour have not been limited to restrictions though, with poorer nations and the WHO warning against wealthy countries dominating vaccine supplies.

President Joe Biden told a CNN town hall Tuesday that the United States -- the worst-hit nation in the world -- would have "600 million doses, enough to vaccinate every American".

Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard had earlier said his government would complain to the United Nations about hoarding and inequality in the global inoculation drive.

And Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new head of the World Trade Organization, said the body can help ensure universal access to the jabs.

"It's really in the self-interest of every country to see everyone vaccinated because you're not safe until everyone is safe," she told AFP in an interview.

Mass inoculation projects have been made more complicated with the emergence of new coronavirus variants, raising concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against them.

India confirmed Tuesday it had detected four cases of the more contagious variant first detected in South Africa, which has spread to many countries.

The European Union will launch a programme to produce vaccines against future strains, the bloc's leader Ursula von der Leyen told French daily Les Echos on Tuesday.

"The virus has evolved and will continue to evolve," she said.

"It is important we prepare for mutations."

Japan launched its coronavirus vaccination programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world.

Japan launched its coronavirus vaccination programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world. The same day, Australia and New Zealand ended snap lockdowns after they successfully brought small outbreaks under control in just days -- suggesting that despite their unpopularity, movement restrictions remain vital tools against the pandemic. Japan kicked off its inoculation drive at a Tokyo hospital, with a plan to initially give Pfizer-BioNTech shots to 40,000 healthcare workers. Also read| Apple changes 'syringe' emoji in support of coronavirus vaccine drive "Hopefully vaccinations... can change the situation here," nurse Rino Yoshida told national broadcaster NHK after she got one of the first shots. Japan is battling a much more limited outbreak compared with hard-hit countries such as the United States and Britain, but its response is being closely watched around the world as doubts swirl over the postponed Tokyo Olympics, due to start July 23. Organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival. But there are fears among the Japanese public and experts that the precautions may not be enough for a global event, even as the WHO on Tuesday reported a slowing of the pandemic. Also read| North Korea tried to hack Pfizer to obtain vaccine technology: Report New infections worldwide fell by 16 per cent last week, while the number of new deaths also dropped 10 per cent week-on-week, based on figures up to Sunday. "The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. Lockdowns end in Australia, New Zealand With infections topping 109 million and more than 2.4 million deaths, the pandemic has devastated the global economy, and populations are growing increasingly frustrated with financially painful restrictions that authorities and experts say are necessary to fight the virus. Also read| Japan formally approves its first Covid vaccine Among the countries that have successfully deployed such measures is Australia, where stay-at-home measures for six million people in Victoria state were to be lifted late Wednesday after a snap five-day lockdown brought an outbreak under control. "If we had been open throughout this outbreak... total case numbers would be much, much higher and it is a certainty that I would not be reporting zero cases today," said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews. Neighbouring New Zealand, widely praised for its Covid-19 strategy, also ended a snap lockdown it had imposed from Monday in its largest city Auckland after three community cases emerged. These measures sharply contrast with Europe, where restrictions have been less rigorous through the pandemic, and tightening them has often been politically difficult. The Dutch government's nationwide curfew survived a bitter legal challenge on Tuesday, from an anti-restrictions group that promotes baseless conspiracy theories about the pandemic. 'Not safe until everyone is safe' Frustration and rancour have not been limited to restrictions though, with poorer nations and the WHO warning against wealthy countries dominating vaccine supplies. President Joe Biden told a CNN town hall Tuesday that the United States -- the worst-hit nation in the world -- would have "600 million doses, enough to vaccinate every American". Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard had earlier said his government would complain to the United Nations about hoarding and inequality in the global inoculation drive. And Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new head of the World Trade Organization, said the body can help ensure universal access to the jabs. "It's really in the self-interest of every country to see everyone vaccinated because you're not safe until everyone is safe," she told AFP in an interview. Mass inoculation projects have been made more complicated with the emergence of new coronavirus variants, raising concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against them. India confirmed Tuesday it had detected four cases of the more contagious variant first detected in South Africa, which has spread to many countries. The European Union will launch a programme to produce vaccines against future strains, the bloc's leader Ursula von der Leyen told French daily Les Echos on Tuesday. "The virus has evolved and will continue to evolve," she said. "It is important we prepare for mutations."

Ahead of Tokyo Olympics, Japan starts vaccinations as new coronavirus cases, deaths drop

Japan has appointed a 'Minister of Loneliness'. It is not the first country to do so. WION's Palki Sharma tells you which other countries have similar cabinet portfolios.

Gravitas: Japan's Minister of Happiness

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan recently urged more women to show up to their meetings. But there’s a catch - women are not allowed to talk during these meetings

In response to criticism about its board being dominated by men, the party proposed allowing five female lawmakers to join in on the board meetings as observers. Only two of the party’s 12-member board members are women. In addition, only three of its 25-member general council members are women.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-japans-ruling-party-wants-women-but-not-their-views-at-meetings-364334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Recently, sexist comments by former Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori sparked outrage, putting focus on gender disparity in the country.

As part of this move, female LDP members would be allowed to see how the decisions are made during key meetings. The party’s Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai said that he has heard criticism about the party's elected board being dominated by men.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-appoints-minister-of-loneliness-to-fight-pandemic-driven-isolation-364026" hreflang="en">Japan appoints 'Minister of Loneliness' to fight pandemic-driven isolation</a>

"It is important to fully understand what kind of discussions are happening," he said during a news conference on Tuesday. "Take a look, is what it is about”, he added. 
 
The observing women would not be allowed to speak during the meetings, but may submit their opinions separately to the secretariat office, as reported by Nikkei newspaper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/60-percent-say-yoshiro-mori-unfit-to-serve-as-tokyo-2020-chief-japan-poll-361981" hreflang="en">60 percent say Yoshiro Mori unfit to serve as Tokyo 2020 chief: Japan poll</a>

Out of the 153 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Index, Japan is ranked 121, making it among the worst-performing economically advanced countries. The country has scored poorly on women’s participation in the economy, as well as in terms of political empowerment.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan recently urged more women to show up to their meetings. But there’s a catch - women are not allowed to talk during these meetings In response to criticism about its board being dominated by men, the party proposed allowing five female lawmakers to join in on the board meetings as observers.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan recently urged more women to show up to their meetings. But there’s a catch - women are not allowed to talk during these meetings In response to criticism about its board being dominated by men, the party proposed allowing five female lawmakers to join in on the board meetings as observers. Only two of the party’s 12-member board members are women. In addition, only three of its 25-member general council members are women. Recently, sexist comments by former Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori sparked outrage, putting focus on gender disparity in the country. As part of this move, female LDP members would be allowed to see how the decisions are made during key meetings. The party’s Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai said that he has heard criticism about the party's elected board being dominated by men. Also read: Japan appoints 'Minister of Loneliness' to fight pandemic-driven isolation "It is important to fully understand what kind of discussions are happening," he said during a news conference on Tuesday. "Take a look, is what it is about”, he added. The observing women would not be allowed to speak during the meetings, but may submit their opinions separately to the secretariat office, as reported by Nikkei newspaper. Also read: 60 percent say Yoshiro Mori unfit to serve as Tokyo 2020 chief: Japan poll Out of the 153 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Index, Japan is ranked 121, making it among the worst-performing economically advanced countries. The country has scored poorly on women’s participation in the economy, as well as in terms of political empowerment.

Japan's ruling party will allow women to attend meetings, as long as they don't talk

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday launched a cabinet aimed at easing loneliness and stress among its citizens. Suicide rates across the country have increased, marking the first rise in 11 years, prompting officials to find new measures to ease the pressure on people.

Owing to the restrictions in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, social gatherings in the country have remained largely restricted. Suga on Friday tapped Tetsushi Sakamoto for the job, who is expected to coordinate work across different ministries and agencies.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japans-rising-suicide-rate-346567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Women especially are feeling more isolated and face increasing suicide rates," Nikkie Asia quoted Suga as saying to Sakamoto.&nbsp;"I'd like you to examine the issue and put forward a comprehensive strategy", he reportedly said further.

Suga also focused on the rise in suicides especially among women, and Sakamoto is now expected to curate a team to host an emergency forum in a bid to come up with a plan this month.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japans-minister-of-happiness-364132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sakamoto told reporters after the meeting that he hopes to promote activities aimed at preventing loneliness and social isolation. 
 
The country had one of the world's highest suicide rates, which changed over the last decade. 20,919 people in Japan died by suicide in 2020, marking a 3.7 per cent surge compared to 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pandemic-raises-japan-suicide-rate-after-decade-of-decline-358517" hreflang="en">Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline</a>

Japan is not the only country to come up with such measures. In 2018, the United Kingdom government created a cabinet of ministers to fight loneliness, especially among its elderly.

But in Japan, the issue is not age-specific and affects people among all age groups.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday launched a cabinet aimed at easing loneliness and stress among its citizens. Suicide rates across the country have increased, marking the first rise in 11 years, prompting officials to find new measures to ease the pressure on people.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday launched a cabinet aimed at easing loneliness and stress among its citizens. Suicide rates across the country have increased, marking the first rise in 11 years, prompting officials to find new measures to ease the pressure on people. Owing to the restrictions in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, social gatherings in the country have remained largely restricted. Suga on Friday tapped Tetsushi Sakamoto for the job, who is expected to coordinate work across different ministries and agencies. "Women especially are feeling more isolated and face increasing suicide rates," Nikkie Asia quoted Suga as saying to Sakamoto. "I'd like you to examine the issue and put forward a comprehensive strategy", he reportedly said further. Suga also focused on the rise in suicides especially among women, and Sakamoto is now expected to curate a team to host an emergency forum in a bid to come up with a plan this month. Sakamoto told reporters after the meeting that he hopes to promote activities aimed at preventing loneliness and social isolation. The country had one of the world's highest suicide rates, which changed over the last decade. 20,919 people in Japan died by suicide in 2020, marking a 3.7 per cent surge compared to 2019. Also read: Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline Japan is not the only country to come up with such measures. In 2018, the United Kingdom government created a cabinet of ministers to fight loneliness, especially among its elderly. But in Japan, the issue is not age-specific and affects people among all age groups.

Japan appoints 'Minister of Loneliness' to fight pandemic-driven isolation

After a sexism row sparked by Tokyo Olympics chief’s saying women talked too much at meetings, Japan’s ruling party wants women to attend key meetings but only if they do not talk. Under the new proposals, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will allow five female legislators to join the party’s main meetings as observers.

Your Story: Japan's ruling party wants women but not their views at meetings

Exactly 157 days from now, Japan will host one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world which is the Olympics. Japan has started its vaccination drive and the question remains will Tokyo achieve its target or not.

Japan kicks off its COVID-19 vaccination drive

Millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses are going to get wasted in large as Japan struggles to secure special syringes. Production has been impacted at a large scale while manufacturers are looking for ways to ramp up production of the syringes. The country signed a contract with Pfizer of 144 million doses for 72 million people.

Japan faces shortage of special syringes

External demand, or exports minus imports, added 1.0 percentage point to the fourth-quarter GDP growth rate.

Japan’s economy performed better than expected in last quarter

Japanese government spoke person has said that 12 people was seriously injured after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the Fukushima coast on Saturday. Japans' chief secretary Katsunobu Kato had said that 141 People sustain minor injuries.

Your Story: Dozens hurt in a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Japan

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades.

The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.91 percent, or 564.08 points, to 30,084.15, the highest close since 1990.

The broader Topix index advanced 1.04 percent, or 20.06 points, to 1,953.94.

"The 30,000 mark is symbolic but it's still a waypoint," said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a broker at IwaiCosmo Securities.

"Market sentiment has been supported by hopes for business recovery ahead of the nation's first vaccination," Horiuchi told AFP.

The coronavirus vaccine rollout is scheduled to start as early as Wednesday in Japan for healthcare professionals.

"Hopes for stimulus and monetary easing are also high, which helped bolster positive sentiment, but profit-taking could emerge at this level as the market is overheating," he added.

Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities, said: "The Nikkei index is climbing as central banks in Japan, the United States and Europe keep their massive monetary easing policies in place because of the pandemic."

Ahead of the opening bell, the government said Japan's economy shrank in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade as it was battered by the coronavirus but the contraction was less than expected.

"The market largely shrugged off the GDP figures, which were already factored in," Horiuchi said.

The dollar fetched 105.02 yen in Asian afternoon trade, against 104.91 yen in New York late Friday.

Investors were paying attention to the impact of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which hit northeastern Japan late Saturday as news reports said more than 150 people were injured and shinkansen bullet train services were suspended.

"There was a chilling moment after the powerful quake in the Tohoku region this weekend, but the impact on the market seems to be limited," Okasan Online Securities said.

In Tokyo trading, SoftBank Group surged 2.12 percent to 10,005 yen after releasing strong earnings last week, while Uniqlo casual wear chain operator Fast Retailing jumped 4.09 percent to 99,460 yen.

Nissan plunged 2.83 percent to 609.9 yen following a news report that Apple had approached it in recent months about self-driving cars, which did not move forward. Nissan denied it was in talks with the US tech giant.

Toyota rose 0.51 percent to 8,456 yen with Honda up 1.09 percent at 3,052 yen.

Online mall giant and mobile carrier Rakuten plunged 6.48 percent to 1,110 yen after it reported a massive annual loss last week.

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades.

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index jumped nearly two percent Monday on hopes for business recovery, closing above the psychologically important 30,000 mark for the first time in more than three decades. The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.91 percent, or 564.08 points, to 30,084.15, the highest close since 1990. The broader Topix index advanced 1.04 percent, or 20.06 points, to 1,953.94. "The 30,000 mark is symbolic but it's still a waypoint," said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a broker at IwaiCosmo Securities. "Market sentiment has been supported by hopes for business recovery ahead of the nation's first vaccination," Horiuchi told AFP. The coronavirus vaccine rollout is scheduled to start as early as Wednesday in Japan for healthcare professionals. "Hopes for stimulus and monetary easing are also high, which helped bolster positive sentiment, but profit-taking could emerge at this level as the market is overheating," he added. Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities, said: "The Nikkei index is climbing as central banks in Japan, the United States and Europe keep their massive monetary easing policies in place because of the pandemic." Ahead of the opening bell, the government said Japan's economy shrank in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade as it was battered by the coronavirus but the contraction was less than expected. "The market largely shrugged off the GDP figures, which were already factored in," Horiuchi said. The dollar fetched 105.02 yen in Asian afternoon trade, against 104.91 yen in New York late Friday. Investors were paying attention to the impact of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which hit northeastern Japan late Saturday as news reports said more than 150 people were injured and shinkansen bullet train services were suspended. "There was a chilling moment after the powerful quake in the Tohoku region this weekend, but the impact on the market seems to be limited," Okasan Online Securities said. In Tokyo trading, SoftBank Group surged 2.12 percent to 10,005 yen after releasing strong earnings last week, while Uniqlo casual wear chain operator Fast Retailing jumped 4.09 percent to 99,460 yen. Nissan plunged 2.83 percent to 609.9 yen following a news report that Apple had approached it in recent months about self-driving cars, which did not move forward. Nissan denied it was in talks with the US tech giant. Toyota rose 0.51 percent to 8,456 yen with Honda up 1.09 percent at 3,052 yen. Online mall giant and mobile carrier Rakuten plunged 6.48 percent to 1,110 yen after it reported a massive annual loss last week.

Tokyo's Nikkei closes above 30,000, first time since 1990

Japan’s economy rebounded sharply in the last three months of 2020, government data showed Monday, extending its recovery from the coronavirus’ devastating effect in the first half of the year.

But the growth was fragile and could be easily disrupted, analysts warned, at least in the short term. A second state of emergency declared at the end of last year is likely to drag the economy down again, and — as with many countries — it will most likely take years for certain business sectors, such as tourism, and consumer confidence to recover.

Japan’s economy, the world’s third largest after the United States and China, grew 3% during the October to December period, for an annualized growth rate of 12.7%. It was the country’s second consecutive quarter of growth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-economy-performed-better-than-expected-in-last-quarter-363682">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-economy-performed-better-than-expected-in-last-quarter-363682/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The economy had jumped 5.3% in the fiscal third quarter as the country emerged from a national emergency and regained a semblance of normalcy.

“The biggest drivers of this quarter’s growth were exports and consumer spending,” said Toshihiro Nagahama, senior economist at the Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute, as economies released pent-up demand for Japanese goods that had built up during the early months of the pandemic.

Japan’s growth last quarter was “a bit of a mechanical rebound from an unnatural sort of drop” created by global lockdowns and skittish consumers, said Izumi Devalier, the chief Japan economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

But the surge in exports over the past months, driven by growth in capital goods and the tech sector, has “been incredible” she said.

The Japanese economy had entered 2020 in a weakened state brought about by a rise in the national consumption tax, a stark drop in trade with China and a devastating typhoon. The pandemic then struck a major blow. As other economies crashed, Japan’s shrank in its worst performance since 1955, when the country began using gross domestic product to measure its economy.

But thanks in large part to the country’s efforts to keep the pandemic under control, Japan avoided the worst of the economic damage that savaged the United States and much of Europe.

This fall, while many consumers in the West sheltered in place, people in Japan were traveling, eating out and going to movies. One film, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,” set a domestic box-office record, outpacing the former champion in a few short months. Government subsidies for travel lifted domestic tourism, although such travel may have also spread the virus.

At the same time, huge government stimulus efforts helped keep people in jobs and companies in business. Japan’s unemployment rate stood at just 2.9% by the end of December versus 2.1% at the same time the year before. Bankruptcies actually dropped 6.5% in 2020, according to Teikoku Databank, a credit research company.

In contrast to the economic damage, the country’s stock market is riding high, benefiting from monetary policies that have kept interest rates ultra low and pumped money into equities markets. On Monday morning, the Nikkei hit 30,000 for the first time since Japan’s economic bubble burst 30 years ago.

Still, the past two quarters of growth did not make up for the damage wreaked by the pandemic. The economy ended down 4.8% for the year, the first annual contraction since 2009, when the country was suffering from the fallout of the global financial crisis.

While people in Japan are not facing the same level of short-term economic peril as those in the United States, growth is expected to contract again in the first three months of this year.

After a steep rise in daily infection counts, Japan declared a second, albeit more limited, state of emergency at the beginning of January. Initially announced for one month, the edict was extended through early March partly in response to the appearance of new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus.

“Because of the emergency declaration, consumer spending, particularly on services, is going to fall” in the first three months of the year, said Akane Yamaguchi, an economist at the Daiwa Institute of Research.

But, she said, the damage will not be nearly as severe as last spring, when lockdowns destroyed demand for exports and Japan’s national emergency extended across the whole country.

In the longer term, as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, there will likely be “repeated shocks on consumption” as case numbers rise and fall while exports will stay strong, said Devalier, of Bank of America.

“I think it’s almost going to be a tale of two economies in 2021,” she said.

Further complicating the economic picture for 2021, Japan has been slow to start vaccinations.

On Sunday, the Pfizer shot became the first to receive approval from Japanese regulators. Frontline health care workers are expected to receive their first doses this week, but it will be months before the public is eligible.

The pandemic’s effects have been much less severe in Japan than in the West. Total deaths are under 7,000, and daily infection levels peaked in early January at around 8,000. But a robust vaccination program could give more people the confidence to return to shops and restaurants, said Nagahama, of Dai-Ichi Life Research.

To get the economy back on track in the long run, “increasing vaccination rates is the only option,” he said. “Without that, any monetary or fiscal measures you take are pointless.”

Japan’s economy rebounded sharply in the last three months of 2020, government data showed Monday, extending its recovery from the coronavirus’ devastating effect in the first half of the year.

Japan’s economy rebounded sharply in the last three months of 2020, government data showed Monday, extending its recovery from the coronavirus’ devastating effect in the first half of the year. But the growth was fragile and could be easily disrupted, analysts warned, at least in the short term. A second state of emergency declared at the end of last year is likely to drag the economy down again, and — as with many countries — it will most likely take years for certain business sectors, such as tourism, and consumer confidence to recover. Japan’s economy, the world’s third largest after the United States and China, grew 3% during the October to December period, for an annualized growth rate of 12.7%. It was the country’s second consecutive quarter of growth. WATCH| The economy had jumped 5.3% in the fiscal third quarter as the country emerged from a national emergency and regained a semblance of normalcy. “The biggest drivers of this quarter’s growth were exports and consumer spending,” said Toshihiro Nagahama, senior economist at the Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute, as economies released pent-up demand for Japanese goods that had built up during the early months of the pandemic. Japan’s growth last quarter was “a bit of a mechanical rebound from an unnatural sort of drop” created by global lockdowns and skittish consumers, said Izumi Devalier, the chief Japan economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. But the surge in exports over the past months, driven by growth in capital goods and the tech sector, has “been incredible” she said. The Japanese economy had entered 2020 in a weakened state brought about by a rise in the national consumption tax, a stark drop in trade with China and a devastating typhoon. The pandemic then struck a major blow. As other economies crashed, Japan’s shrank in its worst performance since 1955, when the country began using gross domestic product to measure its economy. But thanks in large part to the country’s efforts to keep the pandemic under control, Japan avoided the worst of the economic damage that savaged the United States and much of Europe. This fall, while many consumers in the West sheltered in place, people in Japan were traveling, eating out and going to movies. One film, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,” set a domestic box-office record, outpacing the former champion in a few short months. Government subsidies for travel lifted domestic tourism, although such travel may have also spread the virus. At the same time, huge government stimulus efforts helped keep people in jobs and companies in business. Japan’s unemployment rate stood at just 2.9% by the end of December versus 2.1% at the same time the year before. Bankruptcies actually dropped 6.5% in 2020, according to Teikoku Databank, a credit research company. In contrast to the economic damage, the country’s stock market is riding high, benefiting from monetary policies that have kept interest rates ultra low and pumped money into equities markets. On Monday morning, the Nikkei hit 30,000 for the first time since Japan’s economic bubble burst 30 years ago. Still, the past two quarters of growth did not make up for the damage wreaked by the pandemic. The economy ended down 4.8% for the year, the first annual contraction since 2009, when the country was suffering from the fallout of the global financial crisis. While people in Japan are not facing the same level of short-term economic peril as those in the United States, growth is expected to contract again in the first three months of this year. After a steep rise in daily infection counts, Japan declared a second, albeit more limited, state of emergency at the beginning of January. Initially announced for one month, the edict was extended through early March partly in response to the appearance of new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus. “Because of the emergency declaration, consumer spending, particularly on services, is going to fall” in the first three months of the year, said Akane Yamaguchi, an economist at the Daiwa Institute of Research. But, she said, the damage will not be nearly as severe as last spring, when lockdowns destroyed demand for exports and Japan’s national emergency extended across the whole country. In the longer term, as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, there will likely be “repeated shocks on consumption” as case numbers rise and fall while exports will stay strong, said Devalier, of Bank of America. “I think it’s almost going to be a tale of two economies in 2021,” she said. Further complicating the economic picture for 2021, Japan has been slow to start vaccinations. On Sunday, the Pfizer shot became the first to receive approval from Japanese regulators. Frontline health care workers are expected to receive their first doses this week, but it will be months before the public is eligible. The pandemic’s effects have been much less severe in Japan than in the West. Total deaths are under 7,000, and daily infection levels peaked in early January at around 8,000. But a robust vaccination program could give more people the confidence to return to shops and restaurants, said Nagahama, of Dai-Ichi Life Research. To get the economy back on track in the long run, “increasing vaccination rates is the only option,” he said. “Without that, any monetary or fiscal measures you take are pointless.”

Japan’s growth rebounds, but virus-related weakness looms

A strong Earthquake of 7.1 magnitudes rocked japan's eastern coast on Saturday, the coast of Fukushima prefecture was the epicenter for the earthquake.

Strong Earthquake of 7.1 magnitude shakes Japan | Fukushima Prefecture

A powerful earthquake that hit Japan on Saturday was an aftershock of the devastating 9.0 magnitude quake that struck the region almost 10 years ago, the national meteorological agency has said.

The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 54 kilometres (33 miles) in the Pacific, off Fukushima -- near the epicentre of a 2011 killer quake which triggered a towering tsunami and killed more than 18,000.

No tsunami warning was, however, issued after Saturday's earthquake.

Authorities have spent the past ten years cleaning up the area -- a massive effort that experts say will take another few decades to complete.

According to a CNN report, Saturday's earthquake is a reminder that the events are 2011 are not entirely behind the Fukushima region.

Speaking to reporters, Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the damage was still being assessed, and asked residents in the affected area to stay indoors and be prepared for aftershocks.

The earthquake triggered landslides and uprooted sections of a major expressway, affecting both prefectures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-70-magnitude-strikes-eastern-japan-no-tsunami-alert-363434">Also read | Earthquake of 7.0 magnitude strikes eastern Japan, no tsunami alert</a>

(with inputs)

A powerful earthquake that hit Japan on Saturday was an aftershock of the devastating 9.0 magnitude quake that struck the region almost 10 years ago, the national meteorological agency has said.

A powerful earthquake that hit Japan on Saturday was an aftershock of the devastating 9.0 magnitude quake that struck the region almost 10 years ago, the national meteorological agency has said. The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 54 kilometres (33 miles) in the Pacific, off Fukushima -- near the epicentre of a 2011 killer quake which triggered a towering tsunami and killed more than 18,000. No tsunami warning was, however, issued after Saturday's earthquake. Authorities have spent the past ten years cleaning up the area -- a massive effort that experts say will take another few decades to complete. According to a CNN report, Saturday's earthquake is a reminder that the events are 2011 are not entirely behind the Fukushima region. Speaking to reporters, Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the damage was still being assessed, and asked residents in the affected area to stay indoors and be prepared for aftershocks. The earthquake triggered landslides and uprooted sections of a major expressway, affecting both prefectures. Also read | Earthquake of 7.0 magnitude strikes eastern Japan, no tsunami alert (with inputs)

Saturday tremors in Japan were an 'aftershock' from 2011 quake, report says

An earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck off the eastern coast of Japan late Saturday.

No tsunami warning was, however, issued, US and Japanese authorities said.

The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 54 kilometres (33 miles) in the Pacific, off Fukushima -- near the epicentre of a 2011 killer quake which triggered a towering tsunami and killed more than 18,000.

On Friday, strong tremors were felt in several parts of northern India including the capital city of New Delhi and as far as Srinagar. The quake also jolted parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Noida, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand.

Kyodo news agency reported at least four people injured in the quake, but gave no further details. There were no immediate reports of significant damage.

Saturday's quake was followed by aftershocks, including a 4.7 magnitude jolt.

The government said around 950,000 homes lost power throughout the affected region.

Images shown online and posted on social media showed broken glass at a shop and items spilled off the shelves at a supermarket.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/earthquake-measuring-63-jolts-tajikistan-tremors-felt-in-delhi-and-northern-india-363261">Also read |&nbsp;Earthquake measuring 6.3 jolts Tajikistan, tremors felt in Delhi and northern India</a>

The National Centre for Seismology said an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 hit Tajikistan at 10:31 pm, and tremors were felt in northern India.

An earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck off the eastern coast of Japan late Saturday. No tsunami warning was, however, issued, US and Japanese authorities said. The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 54 kilometres (33 miles) in the Pacific, off Fukushima -- near the epicentre of a 2011 killer quake which triggered a towering tsunami and killed more than 18,000.

An earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck off the eastern coast of Japan late Saturday. No tsunami warning was, however, issued, US and Japanese authorities said. The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 54 kilometres (33 miles) in the Pacific, off Fukushima -- near the epicentre of a 2011 killer quake which triggered a towering tsunami and killed more than 18,000. On Friday, strong tremors were felt in several parts of northern India including the capital city of New Delhi and as far as Srinagar. The quake also jolted parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Noida, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. Kyodo news agency reported at least four people injured in the quake, but gave no further details. There were no immediate reports of significant damage. Saturday's quake was followed by aftershocks, including a 4.7 magnitude jolt. The government said around 950,000 homes lost power throughout the affected region. Images shown online and posted on social media showed broken glass at a shop and items spilled off the shelves at a supermarket. Also read | Earthquake measuring 6.3 jolts Tajikistan, tremors felt in Delhi and northern India The National Centre for Seismology said an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 hit Tajikistan at 10:31 pm, and tremors were felt in northern India.

Earthquake of 7.0 magnitude strikes eastern Japan, no tsunami alert

Millions of people in Japan will not able to receive Pfizer- BioNTech's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine </a>to treat coronavirus as planned as special syringes used to give the dose remains short of supply.&nbsp;

Japan has ordered 144 million shots of Pfizer vaccine to immune 72 million doses, considering that each vial contained six doses.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-briefing-on-covid-19-origin-laboratory-related-hypothesis-is-highly-unlikely-362535/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Norihisa Tamura, country's health minister said the normal syringes that are used will unable to extract the final dose from a vial, implying about 60 million people will be vaccinated.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-to-proceed-with-planned-phase-1-vaccination-using-jj-362635">South Africa to proceed with planned phase 1 vaccination using J&amp;J</a>

"The syringes used in Japan can only draw five doses," Tamura was quoted as saying by news agency Kyodo.&nbsp;

"We will use all the syringes we have that can draw six doses, but it will, of course, not be enough as more shots are administered."

The government is urging manufacturers to scale up the production of special "dead space" syringe so that full capacity of the vial can be exploited.&nbsp;

Despite the setback, Japan will be beginning its vaccination drive next week, Japanese prime minister has said.&nbsp;

"When we have confirmed the vaccine's efficacy and safety, we will start vaccination by the middle of next week," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said.

The problem of special syringe shortage is encountered not just by Japan, but European Union nations and the US are also facing a similar issue.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Millions of people in Japan will not able to receive Pfizer- BioNTech's vaccine to treat coronavirus as planned as special syringes used to give the dose remains short of supply.

Millions of people in Japan will not able to receive Pfizer- BioNTech's vaccine to treat coronavirus as planned as special syringes used to give the dose remains short of supply. Japan has ordered 144 million shots of Pfizer vaccine to immune 72 million doses, considering that each vial contained six doses. Watch | Norihisa Tamura, country's health minister said the normal syringes that are used will unable to extract the final dose from a vial, implying about 60 million people will be vaccinated. Also read | South Africa to proceed with planned phase 1 vaccination using J&J "The syringes used in Japan can only draw five doses," Tamura was quoted as saying by news agency Kyodo. "We will use all the syringes we have that can draw six doses, but it will, of course, not be enough as more shots are administered." The government is urging manufacturers to scale up the production of special "dead space" syringe so that full capacity of the vial can be exploited. Despite the setback, Japan will be beginning its vaccination drive next week, Japanese prime minister has said. "When we have confirmed the vaccine's efficacy and safety, we will start vaccination by the middle of next week," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said. The problem of special syringe shortage is encountered not just by Japan, but European Union nations and the US are also facing a similar issue.

Shortage of special syringe for Pfizer will affect millions of vaccinations in Japan

On Monday, China has justified the intrusion of its coast guard vessels into Japan's territorial waters. Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands are the country's "inherent territory".

Beijing claims Senkaku Islands are China's "Inherent Territory"

Japan is extending its coronavirus state of emergency until March 7, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced, following a government meeting.

Japan extends state of emergency in Tokyo and 9 other cities until 7th March

Japan has expressed "regret" after Sri Lanka scrapped 2019 deal with New Delhi and Tokyo for development of Colombo port's East Container Terminal.&nbsp;

A Japanese embassy official in Delhi responding to WION' question, "expressed regret at the unilateral decision taken by Sri Lanka".

Sri Lankan cabinet on Monday unanimously approved that the East terminal of the port will be developed solely&nbsp;by the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA).

Meanwhile in the aftermath of the development Japan envoy to Colombo Akira Sugiyama met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Wednesday to discuss a "range of matters relevant to the bilateral partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan", a tweet from Sri Lankan MFA said.

Earlier over the weekend,&nbsp;Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured protesting local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity.

In a tweet, he said, that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt".&nbsp;

In 2019,&nbsp;India, Japan and Sri Lanka signed a trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation for development of the terminal under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt.

Under the trilateral arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities.

While India is yet to react on Colombo's decision, ahead of the announcement by Sri Lankan Govt, a&nbsp;spokesperson of the Indian High Commission in Colombo "reiterated the expectation of Government of India for expeditious implementation of the trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC)" signed in May&nbsp;2019&nbsp;

Pointing out to the "commitment of Government of Sri Lanka in this regard has been conveyed several times in the recent past, including at the leadership level... All sides should continue to abide by the existing understandings and commitment."

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government, perhaps as a compensatory offer has said it would involve India and Japan for development of Colombo port’s West Container terminal.

Japan has expressed "regret" after Sri Lanka scrapped 2019 deal with New Delhi and Tokyo for development of Colombo port's East Container Terminal. A Japanese embassy official in Delhi responding to WION' question, "expressed regret at the unilateral decision taken by Sri Lanka".

Japan has expressed "regret" after Sri Lanka scrapped 2019 deal with New Delhi and Tokyo for development of Colombo port's East Container Terminal. A Japanese embassy official in Delhi responding to WION' question, "expressed regret at the unilateral decision taken by Sri Lanka". Sri Lankan cabinet on Monday unanimously approved that the East terminal of the port will be developed solely by the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA). Meanwhile in the aftermath of the development Japan envoy to Colombo Akira Sugiyama met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Wednesday to discuss a "range of matters relevant to the bilateral partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan", a tweet from Sri Lankan MFA said. Earlier over the weekend, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured protesting local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. In a tweet, he said, that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In 2019, India, Japan and Sri Lanka signed a trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation for development of the terminal under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt. Under the trilateral arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities. While India is yet to react on Colombo's decision, ahead of the announcement by Sri Lankan Govt, a spokesperson of the Indian High Commission in Colombo "reiterated the expectation of Government of India for expeditious implementation of the trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC)" signed in May 2019 Pointing out to the "commitment of Government of Sri Lanka in this regard has been conveyed several times in the recent past, including at the leadership level... All sides should continue to abide by the existing understandings and commitment." Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government, perhaps as a compensatory offer has said it would involve India and Japan for development of Colombo port’s West Container terminal.

Japan regrets Sri Lanka scrapping 2019 deal with New Delhi, Tokyo

Japan's services sector shrank at the fastest pace in five months, as a heavy blow to demand from a resurgence in coronavirus infections and a state of emergency in parts of the country greatly hurt new business orders.

World Business Watch: Japan's service sector slump deepens as COVID-19 emergency hits business

Japan&nbsp;is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday.

Last month the government declared a one-month state of emergency, due to end on Sunday, Feb. 7, for 11 areas, including Tokyo and its neighbouring prefectures, as part of measures to rein in the pandemic.

The government will decide on extending the state of emergency after a meeting of its experts panel on Tuesday, with the emergency period in prefectures including the Tokyo area expected to run for another month, the sources said.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday, one source told Reuters.

Public broadcaster NHK later reported that the government had decided to extend the state of emergency for 10 prefectures including Tokyo until March 7, but would lift it in one less populated area, Tochigi Prefecture, which has seen a decline in cases.

Suga has launched a raft of measures to contain a third wave of infections as his government remains determined that the Olympics go ahead as planned on July 23.

But public support for his administration has weakened amid unhappiness with its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which critics have called too slow and inconsistent.

A Nikkei newspaper poll showed 90% of respondents favoured extending the emergency period in areas where it is implemented.

Japan&nbsp;has had a total of 390,687 coronavirus cases and 5,766 deaths, NHK said. In Tokyo, new cases totalled 633 on Sunday, below 1,000 for the third consecutive day.

Separately, the lower house on Monday passed a revision to the coronavirus special measures law that the upper house is expected to approve on Wednesday, domestic media said. The revision would toughen regulations and allow authorities to levy fines on those who break the law.

Japan is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday.

Japan is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday. Last month the government declared a one-month state of emergency, due to end on Sunday, Feb. 7, for 11 areas, including Tokyo and its neighbouring prefectures, as part of measures to rein in the pandemic. The government will decide on extending the state of emergency after a meeting of its experts panel on Tuesday, with the emergency period in prefectures including the Tokyo area expected to run for another month, the sources said. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday, one source told Reuters. Public broadcaster NHK later reported that the government had decided to extend the state of emergency for 10 prefectures including Tokyo until March 7, but would lift it in one less populated area, Tochigi Prefecture, which has seen a decline in cases. Suga has launched a raft of measures to contain a third wave of infections as his government remains determined that the Olympics go ahead as planned on July 23. But public support for his administration has weakened amid unhappiness with its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which critics have called too slow and inconsistent. A Nikkei newspaper poll showed 90% of respondents favoured extending the emergency period in areas where it is implemented. Japan has had a total of 390,687 coronavirus cases and 5,766 deaths, NHK said. In Tokyo, new cases totalled 633 on Sunday, below 1,000 for the third consecutive day. Separately, the lower house on Monday passed a revision to the coronavirus special measures law that the upper house is expected to approve on Wednesday, domestic media said. The revision would toughen regulations and allow authorities to levy fines on those who break the law.

Japan expected to extend COVID-19 state of emergency

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games.

"If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said.

"I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added.

"I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan."

The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan.

Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster.

He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year.

Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year.

The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23.

Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka said Saturday he hopes to win a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and celebrate with Japan fans, as the pitcher returns home after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, the 32-year-old -- now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles -- was asked about the possibility of him playing in the postponed Summer Games. "If I ever have a chance to participate, there is no reason for me to reject," he said. "I had a bitter feeling when I played in the Beijing Olympics... This time I want to win a gold medal" as part of the host country's team, he added. "I'm very excited at the fact I will be able to pitch in front of fans in Japan." The timing of this year's games is particularly meaningful, he said, as it comes 10 years after a 2011 tsunami that left thousands dead in Japan. Star pitcher Tanaka played for the Eagles from 2007 until 2013, when the team won their first-ever "Japan Series" title to the joy of fans in its home city of Sendai, which was devastated by the disaster. He began a seven-year $155 million contract with the Yankees the following year. Rakuten's chairman Hiroshi Mikitani said he hoped Tanaka's pitching would "invigorate" Japan this year. The Tokyo Olympics -- initially set to take place last year but postponed due to the coronavirus -- are set to begin on July 23. Despite growing concern over the event's feasibility, organisers and the International Olympic Committee insist it can go ahead safely. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday that the Olympics would be held this summer "as a symbol of global unity" to "bring hope and courage to the world".

Star pitcher Tanaka wants Olympic gold with Japan fans

A Japanese woman who said she hid her mother's corpse in a freezer in her apartment for a decade told police she feared eviction if the death was discovered, media reported Saturday.

Yumi Yoshino was held "on suspicion of abandoning and hiding a female body" found Wednesday inside the freezer in a Tokyo apartment.

The 48-year-old woman said she hid the body 10 years ago because she "didn't want to move out" of the home she shared with her mother, after finding her dead.

The mother, thought to be aged around 60 at the time of her death, was named on the lease of the apartment in a municipal housing complex.

Yoshino had been forced to leave the apartment in mid-January after missing rent payments, the reports said, and a cleaner discovered the body in a freezer hidden in a closet.

An autopsy could not determine the time and cause of woman's death.

A Japanese woman who said she hid her mother's corpse in a freezer in her apartment for a decade told police she feared eviction if the death was discovered, media reported Saturday.

A Japanese woman who said she hid her mother's corpse in a freezer in her apartment for a decade told police she feared eviction if the death was discovered, media reported Saturday. Yumi Yoshino was held "on suspicion of abandoning and hiding a female body" found Wednesday inside the freezer in a Tokyo apartment. The 48-year-old woman said she hid the body 10 years ago because she "didn't want to move out" of the home she shared with her mother, after finding her dead. The mother, thought to be aged around 60 at the time of her death, was named on the lease of the apartment in a municipal housing complex. Yoshino had been forced to leave the apartment in mid-January after missing rent payments, the reports said, and a cleaner discovered the body in a freezer hidden in a closet. An autopsy could not determine the time and cause of woman's death.

Japan woman hid mum's frozen corpse for 10 years, reports say

India and Japan on Thursday reviewed progress of various ongoing projects in the Northeastern region in areas of connectivity, hydropower, sustainable development and harnessing of water resources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The review was carried out at the fifth joint meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum.

The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Satoshi, the MEA said.

"The AEF reviewed progress of ongoing projects in the North Eastern Region of India in various areas including connectivity, hydropower, sustainable development, harnessing of water resources, and skill development," it said in a statement.

It said the two sides discussed several new projects being undertaken under India-Japan bilateral cooperation and also exchanged views on cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, agro-industries bamboo value chain development, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The AEF provides a platform for India-Japan collaboration in the North Eastern Region under India's 'Act East Policy' and Japan's vision for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific'.

"The Foreign Secretary and the Japanese Ambassador appreciated the role played by the AEF since its establishment in 2017 in streamlining India-Japan bilateral cooperation for the modernisation of the North Eastern region," the MEA said.

India and Japan on Thursday reviewed progress of various ongoing projects in the Northeastern region in areas of connectivity, hydropower, sustainable development and harnessing of water resources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

India and Japan on Thursday reviewed progress of various ongoing projects in the Northeastern region in areas of connectivity, hydropower, sustainable development and harnessing of water resources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The review was carried out at the fifth joint meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Satoshi, the MEA said. "The AEF reviewed progress of ongoing projects in the North Eastern Region of India in various areas including connectivity, hydropower, sustainable development, harnessing of water resources, and skill development," it said in a statement. It said the two sides discussed several new projects being undertaken under India-Japan bilateral cooperation and also exchanged views on cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, agro-industries bamboo value chain development, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The AEF provides a platform for India-Japan collaboration in the North Eastern Region under India's 'Act East Policy' and Japan's vision for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific'. "The Foreign Secretary and the Japanese Ambassador appreciated the role played by the AEF since its establishment in 2017 in streamlining India-Japan bilateral cooperation for the modernisation of the North Eastern region," the MEA said.

India, Japan review implementation of projects in northeastern region

Japan has said that reports of Tokyo Olympics being cancelled is untrue. But experts say the games can only be conducted safely if Japan vaccinates its entire population. Japan is home to 127 people, and the country is yet to start its vaccination program. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details

Gravitas: Will Tokyo Olympics be cancelled?

Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021

The Japanese government has refuted reports suggesting the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics due to coronavirus pandemic. There is no truth to a report about the possible cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai, a government spokesman, told reporters on Friday, denying the Times' report.

The Japanese government has refuted reports suggesting the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics due to coronavirus pandemic. There is no truth to a report about the possible cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai, a government spokesman, told reporters on Friday, denying the Times' report. According to The Times report, the Japanese government had privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics, that was scheduled to be held this year, will have to be cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. The newspaper cited an unnamed senior member of the ruling party. ALSO READ: Around 80% want Tokyo Olympics cancelled or delayed: Japanese survey The Times suggested that Japan's government is now looking to secure the mega event for Tokyo in the next available year, 2032. The Games were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were postponed by a year due to coronavirus outbreak but the recent surge in confirmed cases raised many doubts over the Olympics being held. In early international reactions, both the Australian and United States Olympic Committees said on Friday they remained focused on preparing for the Games as now scheduled. "Any official communication on the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will come from the IOC, Tokyo Organizing Committee and the Japanese government," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee wrote on Twitter. "We have not received any information suggesting the Games will not happen as planned, and our focus remains on the health and preparedness of Team USA athletes ahead of the Games this summer." ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says "The AOC is continuing its planning to ensuring the Australian Olympic Team arrives in Tokyo, competes and returns home safe and COVID-free," the AOC said in a statement. Earlier, Japan's local media (Kyodo News) did a survey and found out that around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country. According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. As per the Times report, the government is seeking a way to save face by announcing a cancellation that leaves the door open to Tokyo hosting at a later date. "No one wants to be the first to say so but the consensus is that it's too difficult," The Times quoted the source as saying. "Personally, I don't think it's going to happen." Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga this week said the showpiece event would "bring hope and courage to the world." International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Games this year in an interview with Kyodo News on Thursday. "We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo," Bach told Kyodo. (Inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification

The number of people taking their own lives in Japan rose for the first time in over a decade last year, as the pandemic reversed years of progress combatting a stubbornly high suicide rate.

Japan's health and welfare ministry said Friday that 20,919 people died by suicide in 2020 according to preliminary data, up 3.7 per cent from the previous year. That compares with 3,460 deaths from coronavirus in the same period.

It marks the first year-on-year rise in suicides in more than a decade, with women and children, in particular, taking their lives at higher rates.

Japan has long had the highest suicide rate among the Group of Seven advanced countries -- though regionally South Korea registers higher figures. But the government has worked in recent years to better support people with mental health needs.

Japan has seen a smaller coronavirus outbreak than some countries, avoiding the harsh lockdown measures put in place elsewhere, and a fall in suicides during the first half of 2020 raised hopes that the pandemic's impact might be limited.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-cancelled-japanese-government-issues-clarification-358428">Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification</a>

But the figures began to rise in July after the first state of emergency was lifted in May, pattern experts say tracks with data showing suicides often drop in the first phase of crises such as conflicts and natural disasters, before rising sharply.

"For suicide in Japan, the rise was a major event and I think it was a big turning point," said Michiko Ueda, an associate professor of political science at Waseda University in Tokyo who studies suicide in Japan.

"The coronavirus is definitely a major factor," she told AFP, warning "we cannot deny the possibility that figures will rise again this year".

Virus 'highlighted gender gap'

Mental health experts around the world have warned that suicides could rise during the pandemic, driven by diverse factors including economic hardship, stress and family abuse.

In Japan, the rise is the first since 2009, in the wake of the global economic crisis, but it follows a different pattern from previous years.

"The coronavirus pandemic forced people into unusual circumstances," a health ministry official told AFP.

"In particular, problems experienced by women have been highlighted, which are thought to have led to suicides."

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-undertake-mass-coronavirus-vaccination-with-eye-on-olympics-357894">&nbsp;Japan to undertake mass coronavirus vaccination with eye on Olympics</a>

Suicides among men actually fell slightly from 2019, but over 14 per cent more suicides were recorded among women.

While determining the causes of rising suicides is complicated, Ueda said likely factors included increasing unemployment for women and extra burdens at home, in a country where household responsibilities are often unevenly shared in families.

The pandemic disproportionately hit industries that employ many women, often on temporary contracts, including hospitality and hotels.

A survey released by public broadcaster NHK in December found 26 per cent of female workers reported employment problems including layoffs since April, compared with 19 per cent of men.

"The coronavirus has highlighted Japan's gender gap," added Yayo Okano, a professor of feminism at Doshisha University in Kyoto.

In a separate NHK poll, 28 per cent of women reported spending more time on housework during the pandemic, compared with 19 per cent of men, with at-home supervision of children -- after schools closed -- falling mostly to mothers.

"Household burdens on women have long been disproportionately heavy in Japan and their burdens have increased because of coronavirus," Okano told AFP.

'They don't know what to do'

Rising suicides among children have also alarmed experts: more than 300 children in elementary, junior high and high school died by suicide in the eight months to November, up nearly 30 per cent from the same month a year earlier. December figures were not yet available.

"Students are feeling anxiety about their future," said Akiko Mura, a counsellor at the Tokyo Suicide Prevention Centre.

"They don't know what to do. They used to be able to release their stress by talking to their friends, but now they can't even go to karaoke."

Experts fear a series of high-profile celebrity suicides in Japan last year may also have triggered vulnerable people to consider taking their lives.

The number of suicides in Japan peaked at around 34,000 in 2003, but efforts since then to tackle the problem -- including addressing deaths linked to overwork and introducing online counselling -- had helped bring the numbers down.

Munetaka Kaneko, a counsellor at suicide prevention NGO Sotto, said the government now needed to make suicide response a key plank of its virus policy, with "prevention measures fit for the pandemic era".

"For some, the risks of suicide are far graver than those posed by the pandemic."

The number of people taking their own lives in Japan rose for the first time in over a decade last year, as the pandemic reversed years of progress combatting a stubbornly high suicide rate.

The number of people taking their own lives in Japan rose for the first time in over a decade last year, as the pandemic reversed years of progress combatting a stubbornly high suicide rate. Japan's health and welfare ministry said Friday that 20,919 people died by suicide in 2020 according to preliminary data, up 3.7 per cent from the previous year. That compares with 3,460 deaths from coronavirus in the same period. It marks the first year-on-year rise in suicides in more than a decade, with women and children, in particular, taking their lives at higher rates. Japan has long had the highest suicide rate among the Group of Seven advanced countries -- though regionally South Korea registers higher figures. But the government has worked in recent years to better support people with mental health needs. Japan has seen a smaller coronavirus outbreak than some countries, avoiding the harsh lockdown measures put in place elsewhere, and a fall in suicides during the first half of 2020 raised hopes that the pandemic's impact might be limited. Also read| Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification But the figures began to rise in July after the first state of emergency was lifted in May, pattern experts say tracks with data showing suicides often drop in the first phase of crises such as conflicts and natural disasters, before rising sharply. "For suicide in Japan, the rise was a major event and I think it was a big turning point," said Michiko Ueda, an associate professor of political science at Waseda University in Tokyo who studies suicide in Japan. "The coronavirus is definitely a major factor," she told AFP, warning "we cannot deny the possibility that figures will rise again this year". Virus 'highlighted gender gap' Mental health experts around the world have warned that suicides could rise during the pandemic, driven by diverse factors including economic hardship, stress and family abuse. In Japan, the rise is the first since 2009, in the wake of the global economic crisis, but it follows a different pattern from previous years. "The coronavirus pandemic forced people into unusual circumstances," a health ministry official told AFP. "In particular, problems experienced by women have been highlighted, which are thought to have led to suicides." Also read| Japan to undertake mass coronavirus vaccination with eye on Olympics Suicides among men actually fell slightly from 2019, but over 14 per cent more suicides were recorded among women. While determining the causes of rising suicides is complicated, Ueda said likely factors included increasing unemployment for women and extra burdens at home, in a country where household responsibilities are often unevenly shared in families. The pandemic disproportionately hit industries that employ many women, often on temporary contracts, including hospitality and hotels. A survey released by public broadcaster NHK in December found 26 per cent of female workers reported employment problems including layoffs since April, compared with 19 per cent of men. "The coronavirus has highlighted Japan's gender gap," added Yayo Okano, a professor of feminism at Doshisha University in Kyoto. In a separate NHK poll, 28 per cent of women reported spending more time on housework during the pandemic, compared with 19 per cent of men, with at-home supervision of children -- after schools closed -- falling mostly to mothers. "Household burdens on women have long been disproportionately heavy in Japan and their burdens have increased because of coronavirus," Okano told AFP. 'They don't know what to do' Rising suicides among children have also alarmed experts: more than 300 children in elementary, junior high and high school died by suicide in the eight months to November, up nearly 30 per cent from the same month a year earlier. December figures were not yet available. "Students are feeling anxiety about their future," said Akiko Mura, a counsellor at the Tokyo Suicide Prevention Centre. "They don't know what to do. They used to be able to release their stress by talking to their friends, but now they can't even go to karaoke." Experts fear a series of high-profile celebrity suicides in Japan last year may also have triggered vulnerable people to consider taking their lives. The number of suicides in Japan peaked at around 34,000 in 2003, but efforts since then to tackle the problem -- including addressing deaths linked to overwork and introducing online counselling -- had helped bring the numbers down. Munetaka Kaneko, a counsellor at suicide prevention NGO Sotto, said the government now needed to make suicide response a key plank of its virus policy, with "prevention measures fit for the pandemic era". "For some, the risks of suicide are far graver than those posed by the pandemic."

Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline

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